Rosa Desta

Rosa Desta was born from Ato Desta Dinssa and W/o Getie Argaw in 1966 in Kebena – Korea Sefer (neighbourhood) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

She went to former Prince Shale Selassie (currently, ‘Hibret Fire’) Elementary School and former Empress Menen (currently ‘Yekatit 12 Memorial’) Secondary School. She had a diploma in Accounting. In the mid 1980s, Rosa worked at the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission of Ethiopia for over three years helping victims in the drought affected areas of the country.

Rosa was a beautiful, intelligent and kind person. Her smile and laughter was always genuine and affectionate. She had a big heart to her family and friends. She was known for always giving her best for what she believed in no matter what it took. In the late 1970’s, she abruptly abandoned enjoying her adolescence and took part in the dangerous fight against a military rule in her country.

Rosa left her native country, Ethiopia, in 1991 due to the continued instability. She fled to Egypt from where she was sponsored by fellow Ethiopians who had settled in Australia and moved to Melbourne, Australia in April 1993. She lived in Australia since. Rosa was a devout Christian.

Rosa passed away on 21 March 2013 after a courageous battle against cancer. She leaves behind so many people who loved her, including a daughter and a son, a loving husband, a big sister, and a best friend who grew up, migrated and stayed with her throughout her short but eventful life.

Rosa, you will always be missed by all of us. Rest in peace my dear friend!